2007 Chrysler 300 vs 2008 Audi A6

The 2007 Chrysler 300 was known for its distinctive old-school styling and big-car aesthetic, making it stand out on the road. Its front end had a Bentley-esque appearance with a large grille and sloping hood, giving it a muscular stance. The car's slab sides and squared-off rear avoided a boxy look, and various wheel sizes, up to 20 inches, added a striking visual appeal. The high-performance SRT-8 trim featured functional air ducts and a rear spoiler for added downforce, with staggered 20-inch wheels enhancing its performance look. Inside, the cabin was designed with purpose and function, offering high seating positions and decent headroom despite the sloping roof. The dash and controls were upscale yet clean, avoiding unnecessary decoration.

In contrast, the 2008 Audi A6 retained the smooth, rounded lines typical of early 2000s Audi models but adopted a sharper, more aggressive look. Its front end was dominated by a large grille, which, while somewhat awkward, contributed to the car's sleek and upscale appearance. The A6's interior mirrored its exterior's clean design, with wood and metal trim breaking up the otherwise dark color scheme. The center stack was button-heavy but intuitively organized, with a high-mounted navigation screen for easy driver visibility. Leather seats and thick carpeting completed the luxurious cabin, offering a refined and comfortable environment.

The 2007 Chrysler 300 was more than just a stylish vehicle; it was an engaging performer among American sedans of its era. While its base 2.7-liter V6 engine provided adequate power for commuting, the car truly shone with one of its two available V8 engines. The 300's rear-wheel-drive layout, though not ideal for snowy conditions, offered enthusiasts a thrilling driving experience, especially with the right tires. Its handling was surprisingly composed for a car of its size, maintaining control during spirited driving. The 300's Mercedes E-Class roots contributed to a smooth yet controlled ride, with responsive steering enhancing the driving experience.

The 2008 Audi A6 offered two engine options: a 3.2-liter V6 producing 255 horsepower and a 4.2-liter V8 with 350 hp, the latter available only in the sedan. The V8's 325 pound-feet of torque provided authoritative acceleration, placing the A6 firmly in the sport sedan category. Front-wheel-drive models featured a Multitronic CVT, while quattro all-wheel-drive versions used a 6-speed automatic transmission. The A6's 6-speed automatic was well-tuned for responsive and agile cruising, maintaining quiet and smooth operation at highway speeds. Fuel economy varied, with FWD models achieving 18 city/27 highway mpg, while quattro models and V8-equipped versions offered slightly lower figures.

The 2007 Chrysler 300's interior, while functional, fell short of the luxury expectations set by its exterior. Standard premium cloth seats were available, with optional leather seats providing a more luxurious feel. The cabin was quiet and spacious, with 40 inches of rear legroom and large door openings for easy access. However, the interior's focus on function over form left some buyers wanting more. The four-spoke steering wheel featured wood trim, and the SRT-8 trim included suede inserts for added grip during spirited driving.

The 2008 Audi A6 excelled in space and comfort, offering a sporty yet cushy interior. Despite the sloping roof, the cabin provided generous headroom and legroom, thanks to its lengthy wheelbase. The A6's interior felt personal and warm compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Cadillac STS. Sound deadening and a comfortable suspension created a serene environment, while the trunk's special hinges and grocery hooks added practicality.

The 2007 Chrysler 300 came well-equipped across its trims, with standard features including an AM/FM stereo, four speakers, and a CD player. Higher trims offered optional features like a CD changer, rear entertainment system, six-speaker premium sound, satellite radio, MP3 player, and navigation system.

The 2008 Audi A6 was a showcase of advanced automotive technologies. Its MMI vehicle management system, though requiring some learning, functioned smoothly. The A6 featured a navigation system on a 7-inch screen and a premium audio system that sounded excellent within the well-insulated cabin.

The 2007 Chrysler 300 offered standard safety features like front seatbelt pretensioners, child safety locks, and a passenger-sensing airbag system. Optional features included four-wheel anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. The IIHS rated it "Good" for moderate overlap front crashworthiness but "Marginal" for side crash tests and head restraints without optional side airbags. The NHTSA awarded it five stars in front crash tests and four stars for rollover resistance.

The 2008 Audi A6 received a Top Safety Pick designation from the IIHS, with "Good" ratings for moderate overlap front, side, and head-restraint crashworthiness. It came standard with anti-lock brakes, side-impact airbags, electronic stability control, and a tire pressure monitoring system. Optional features included a lane-departure system and adaptive cruise control.